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Sudan virus disease super-spreading, Uganda, 2022
Allan Komakech1,2, Shannon Whitmer3, Jonathan Izudi4,5
1Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda. akomackech@musph.ac.ug.
BMC Infectious Diseases
|May 23, 2024
Summary
Two super-spreader persons caused most Sudan virus disease (SVD) infections during Uganda's 2022 outbreak. Community engagement and awareness helped limit further spread by isolating cases quickly.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Uganda experienced its fifth Sudan virus disease (SVD) outbreak in September 2022, with 142 confirmed and 22 probable cases.
- The outbreak's reproductive rate (R) was 1.25, indicating significant transmission potential.
- The study aimed to describe individuals who infected an unusually high number of secondary cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize super-spreader persons (SSPs) during the 2022 SVD outbreak in Uganda.
- To understand the transmission dynamics and contributing factors of SVD super-spreading events.
- To inform public health strategies for controlling future outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Super-spreader persons (SSPs) were defined as individuals with confirmed SVD linked to ≥13 secondary infections.
- Illness narratives of SSPs were reviewed, and whole-genome sequencing supported epidemiologic linkage.
Main Results:
- Two SSPs were identified, linked to 51 secondary cases (1 probable, 50 confirmed), including 17 deaths.
- Factors contributing to super-spreading included extended community time while ill, social interactions, cross-district travel, and religious practices.
- Intensive community engagement led to the isolation of 96% of secondary cases, significantly reducing tertiary infections.
Conclusions:
- Super-spreading events significantly amplified the 2022 SVD outbreak in Uganda.
- Community engagement and prompt isolation of cases are crucial for controlling SVD transmission.
- Intensive contact tracing and follow-up are essential to mitigate the impact of super-spreading events.
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